Article by By Emma C., Year 10

As part of our PRE lessons this term, we had the chance to visit the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in North London. The trip linked directly to our Hinduism topic, and it was such an eye-opening experience that brought everything we’ve been learning in class to life.

One of the first things that struck us was the Mandir’s architecture. The building is stunning — made entirely from hand-carved stone and marble, with intricate patterns and details everywhere you look. We learned that it was constructed using traditional methods and assembled piece by piece in London after being carved in India. It was amazing to think about the level of craftsmanship and cultural heritage that went into every part of the building.

We were also lucky enough to witness an Arti ceremony — a devotional ritual that honours the deity with light and music. Seeing this in person helped us understand the spiritual side of Hinduism in a much deeper way.

What made the trip even more meaningful were the conversations we had with the volunteers. They were incredibly welcoming and took the time to talk to us about the history of the Mandir, their beliefs and their way of life. Hearing their personal perspectives made a real impact on me and helped us see Hinduism not just as a topic in a textbook, but as a living, vibrant faith.

I found the trip really valuable, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to be educated, inspired and more connected to different cultures and beliefs.